Powerade contract a potential deal-breaker as Bo waits in wings

Bo Perasol's contract with Powerade doesn't expire until the end of the 2013 PBA season. Jerome Ascano

AMONG the thousands who tropped to the MOA Arena on Saturday for the first Ateneo-La Salle match of the season was Bo Perasol, who inconspicuously watched the action from the sidelines.

Or, perhaps more appropriately, Perasol was waiting in the wings.

The man tipped to replace Norman Black next season as coach of the Ateneo Eagles marvelled at the athmosphere inside the brand-new arena, insisting he was no more than a fan watching one of the biggest games on the basketball calendar.

Perasol, however, also admitted that he has been contacted by Ateneo sports officials about the job and that he is very much interested in the offer.

"They showed interest in getting me as head coach next year but there is no final decision yet, especially since I'm still with Powerade [and] my contract will be until next year," he said.

His Powerade contract is a potential 'deal-breaker.'

His five-year deal with the PBA team will end at around the same time the UAAP's 2013 season will begin, but the future of the Coca-Cola franchise is very much uncertain.

Powerade officials have been mum on their plans for the team amid talks that sportsman Mikee Romero is more than willing to buy the franchise.

If the deal pushes through and Romero acquires the franchise lock, stock and barrel, Perasol may find himself tied down to a contract with new owners when the Ateneo coaching job becomes vacant.

Minus the contract hassles, Perasol said it would be an honor to coach Ateneo.

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"If given the chance and there will be no contract that I will breach, I'm more than happy to be their coach. It will be my honor. But as of now, wala pa talaga," said the former UP Maroon.

"After my contract with Powerade and if there won't be any problems, I'll get into the details and we'll take it from there," he added.